Introduction on how to write a briefing paper

Posted at 07.01.2017

A writer tries outline a particular issue as well as its background on how to write a briefing paper then suggest some sort of solutions even describes an applied a countermeasure then finally propose a form of improvements for the issue. Knowing how to write a briefing paper is a very useful set of skill for students, all business professionals, politicians as well as community activists

Before a writer starts working on paper, he or she must be sure to have clear mind about few things such as the following:

A persuasive note is concise, well organized and covers the most salient facts with solutions. Here are some of the steps to get started:

Describe the issue pertaining: this is one of the crucial steps. The writer must first try to differentiate the cause of the problem or issue to be discussed from the symptoms. This is because once he or she have the full knowledge of what the cause might be, then he or she will have less time to find an appropriate solution to the problem at hand. A simple example could be the village children or teenager. At first, you might think they don’t even have education in their respective minds but the truth might probably be transportation to and from the school or maybe there is no school available for them. Therefore, the writer must try to summarize the problem in his or her notes. He should be concise in describing the issue within writing a briefing papers. Shown the cause of the problem first and then later outline the symptoms. In the example above, the writer should be able to describe in details the lack of transportation for them in the village and/or the non-availability of schools and/or good school to them in the village. In addition to this, he must then relate how those problems contribute to the low school attendance and/or the lack or absence of education for the children and teenagers in villages.

Meet the needs of your audience: apart from having a very good as well as standardize description of how to write a briefing paper, the writer must understand that the readers of his briefing note should be understandable to them at very first glance without having to struggle to find the particular aim of the article. This means that any write-up about the issue of how to write a briefing paper must be in an easy to understand language. Think of your readers likewise everyone involved in the issue within the scope of how to write a briefing paper. Another important thing to remember is trying to avoid technical jargon or any details that might sound confusing. Leave the chance for each reader to find the answers to their questions in your briefing paper. Imagine as you write in your booklet or paper all of the logical questions any reader might have about the issue and answer them in your how to write a briefing paper

Propose a solution or some sets of solutions in your paper: persuade your audience to believe that your paper has a lasting solution they that will forever resolve the issue. Try to explain then describe your solution(s) as well as the reasons for such kind of solution. Use documented data and facts to support your arguments. Present several available solutions. If it is a new or difficult problem, you might not have one effective solution in mind. Think of different possibilities and present each as an option. Provide history or evidence related to how each solution was effectively used in some other kind of situations in the how to write a briefing paper. Outline the consequences. Describe what these costs would be to the individuals or communities involved. Be specific and also include all necessary facts to reveal that you have thoroughly contemplated the issues.

Write a conclusion: in a brief sentence, try to summarize the issue, the analysis of the issue and your recommendations.

In general, the format of a briefing paper includes all of the above-described points some other additions such as the following:

The background of a briefing paper

A proposed solution(s)

An appendix containing important statistics or charts

The characteristics of briefing paper are listed below:

They are short and succinct: a briefing paper must not be too long and even if it has to be long, it must be briefly written and expressed clearly

Usually written in outline format: a briefing paper must be described or must a plan trying to show only the essential attributes of something rather than its detail

Will seldom exceed two pages in length: a briefing paper can be 2 pages or less but in cases where it has to be more than 2 pages long, it must state its issues clearly and no useless or unnecessary points

There are some components of briefing papers or layouts to know in order to have a perfect and easily understandable briefing paper. These components include the following:

must include a name - to identify who the briefing paper is intended for

must include date - date of preparation of the briefing paper

must include the subject - the topic or issue of the briefing paper

must include a background - a briefing paper gives a summary of past as well as the current events that provide a context for the topic or issue including ay policies or past practices

a briefing papers must include the analysis - this identify significant aspects of the topic or issue, it also identifies the options or courses of action that should be considered including details about the merits as well as demerits of each analysis in how to write a briefing paper, identify actions currently taken or recommended to address the issue

must include cautionary notes - also identify any sensitive parts of the topic or the problem that may affect a person or an organization in a negative way

must include - the name and information of the writer of the briefing paper

All briefing paper have their uses independent of whether it is for a company, organization or for an education purpose. Understanding how to write a briefing paper includes the following:

A summary of an issue in how to write a briefing paper: using brief sentences and without any non-important ideas or solution, any briefing paper should only be the summary of an issue concerning a particular organization or parastatals

Explain a situation that needs correcting inside a briefing paper: while writing a briefing paper, it should only contain the explanation to the situations which requires some corrections and not some issues or cases that has already been solved or corrected

Identify any financial implications in how to write a briefing paper: in dealing with a situation which requires the use of cash to solve it, the writer must clearly state and indicate where necessary the monetary risk(s) that might be attached to the solution in his or her briefing paper

A briefing paper also suggest a plan of action including any form of arguments for and/or against the recommended action that the writer has written in his or her briefing paper